Defense looked lost on final play

GLENDALE, Ariz. – The Cowboys defense left the field red-faced after allowing Cardinals 5-foot-7 running back LaRod Stephens-Howling to score the game-winning touchdown in overtime on a scintillating 52-yard catch-and-run.

Outside linebacker Anthony Spencer and inside linebacker Sean Lee blitzed on the first-and-15 play from the Arizona 48-yard line. It was a bad decision considering that there was no question Kevin Kolb was going to throw a screen pass once Stephens-Howling entered the game.

“It was one of those instances, first of all we kinda of miscued as far as our coverage,” said cornerback Terence Newman, who was blocked out of the play by wide receiver Andre Roberts. “We had guys playing one thing and guys playing another thing so of course we didn’t execute on that play. When (Stephens-Howling) comes into the game, it’s usually something out of the backfield. We didn’t get lined up right and next thing you know he’s in the end zone

Lee recognized it was a screen at the last second, but he still couldn’t catch up to Stephens-Howling, who dodged safety Gerald Sensabaugh and another defender inside the 10.

“Being on the field, he’s a screen guy,” Lee said of Stephens-Howling. “I probably should have done a better job recognizing it was going to be a screen. I came through the line, I saw it, and I was a little late to see it though. Looking back on it, on a blitz, I was coming to get the quarterback I probably should have tried to grab him somehow or do something. But at the same point anytime you get pressure, a screen is a great call, you never expect it to go all the way. You got to give credit to LaRod for making some great moves and the play call also.”